Fancy winning 50 Christmas Millionaire Maker Lottery Tickets? 1st Recruitment are giving one lucky winner the chance to WIN £1 Million with our lottery ticket competition! Could one of these be the winning ticket?
To enter, all you have to do is register for job alerts using the following link: https://www.1strecruit.co.uk/1stlottery - its that easy!!
The winner will be announced on 12th December at 5pm, ahead of the lottery draw on the 19th December.
Good Luck!
Terms and conditions apply.

You may feel like you are smashing it at work, but this doesn’t always mean you are due a promotion. Here are the clear signs it’s time to sit down with your line manager and discuss your career development.

These days it is not uncommon to be asked to do a telephone interview as a part of the screening process. This is often to ease along the hiring process when there are a large number of applicants or if the interviewer is tight on time and wants to get a good understanding of the candidate before inviting them in for a formal interview. So how do you make sure you secure that important face-to-face encounter? Here’s our top tips for nailing your telephone interview.

The time has come to move on from your current job position. Whether you’re leaving due to issues with your working environment, or have found another opportunity to advance your career, there are certain things you should make sure to say or avoid writing in your resignation letter.

Fast-paced success - thriving within a high speed business environment

02 Sep 2019

The speed at which we conduct business is accelerating. In this day and age it is crucial to be agile and adaptable in order to succeed, and most businesses now expect these qualities in any prospective applicants. Here are some of our top tips on how to nurture your nimbleness in the workplace.

Roselinde Torres discusses what it means to be a successful leader for the 21st century. She calls upon extensive research into thousands of organisations and their leadership skills programmes to highlight where there is room for improvement as well as what the key signals are to an adaptable, modern and able leadership candidate.

It is a wide misconception that the summer season is not a good time to be job-hunting. Many graduates and non-graduates alike may be taking the summer months out to relax and travel before diving into job searching for the autumn period - so seize the opportunity. The summer is as good a time as any to throw yourself into the recruitment process. Here’s why...

Stress! In some capacity stress is unavoidable in the workplace. A little bit of stress can help you stay focused but a lot of stress can be detrimental to your emotional and physical health. Here are our top tips to keeping on top of your stress levels...

Getting your first job is a monumental experience but can also be stressful. Many entry-level job seekers leave school or university having studied for an extended period without direction of what next. Here’s some key qualities you will need for your job hunt.

When graduation is looming, you will want to spend time with friends and making the most of your final days at university. Therefore, it is important the hunt for your graduate job is well and truly underway by this time.

Parents want their children to have access to the best opportunities, and it is essential for parents to know how to prepare their children for the future. It can be tempting to hold your child’s hand through the process but it is important the journey is driven by the individual applying for roles. Here are healthy ways to assist your child in their job search, without doing it for them.

At her first museum job, art historian Sarah Lewis noticed something important about an artist she was studying: Not every artwork was a total masterpiece. She asks us to consider the role of the almost-failure, the near win, in our own lives. In our pursuit of success and mastery, is it actually our near wins that push us forward?

Searching through job advertisements can be a minefield, particularly if you’re new to the job-hunting game. Here’s our list of red flags to look out when searching through job listings to help you decide whether a role is right for you.

Whether you’re looking for a summer position as a school leaver, or wanting to bring in some extra pennies between terms at university, there are a few pro tips and tricks to finding a great summer job.

Scott Dinsmore quit a job that made him miserable, and spent the next four years wondering how to find work that was joyful and meaningful. He shares what he learned in this deceptively simple talk about finding out what matters to you — and then getting started doing it.

It’s safe to assume that, with 70% of employers checking social media when considering a job candidate for a role, it is important to make sure your online presence reflects what you want the employer to know about you. Here’s our pointers to cleaning up your social media presence.

First impressions really do count, so what you choose to wear to an interview can be just as important as how you answer the questions. Here’s our illustrated guide to looking the part at your next job interview, starting with the gents.

One of the most important factors to getting ahead in your career, according to leadership researcher Christine Porath, is to start being respectful to your coworkers. In this science-backed talk, she shares surprising insights about the costs of rudeness and shows how little acts of respect can boost your professional success.

Picking the right path after finishing school can be difficult. Here are our list of pros and cons for both university and apprenticeships / trainee roles to help you decide which might be the best fit for you..

Terms and Conditions
Friday Win - Charity Comp.
This month we are celebrating the incredible work local charities do in Jersey and Guernsey, and are giving you the chance to WIN £100 for a charity of your choice in the Channel Islands! Is there a local worthy cause that you’d like to nominate? All you have to do is LIKE and SHARE this post and COMMENT below with the local charity you would like us to give this amazing prize to.
We will pick a name at random, and their chosen charity will receive the donation.
The winning charity will be announced on 10th May!

Few people end up in positions which directly line up with their qualifications or experience. This short but on-point TEDtalk by Jason Shen perfectly sums up how to make yourself more attractive to potential employers, and why ability should be valued more than credentials.

What do you think is the most important part of your CV? Your education? Any previous work experience? How about your extra-curricular activities? Believe it or not, it’s not always your grades or prior jobs that will secure that role. Here’s some great ideas of extra-curricular activities that could give your CV that extra advantage.

Your first entry-level job interview can seem like a daunting prospect, especially if you are interviewing for a role relevant to your qualifications for which you haven’t acquired any prior work experience. Don’t fret, here’s our advice for combating the nerves and preparing yourself to ace your first entry-level job interview.

We all have moments when we look back on our lives and consider if we’d known then what we now know, somehow it might have been easier or different. This is particularly true when it comes to our working lives, and the career choices we make. But what are the fundamental bits of advice we wish we could give to our younger selves? Here are 3 key bits of advice for recent graduates to help you in your future career.

There’s no question about it, working mums are real-life superheroes. And with Mother’s Day just around the corner we wanted to celebrate all the magnificent multitasking mothers and share our top survival tips straight from the working mums’ perspective.

Have you ever been asked in a job interview, “what are your strengths and weaknesses?” And did you find it a difficult question to answer? Sometimes it can be hard to know what to list as strengths for fear of coming across too brash, whilst describing your weaknesses seems counterintuitive in an interview situation. Here are some good examples of strengths and weaknesses to use in answer to this question.

So you’ve just landed your dream role, but it’s not until your first day on the job that you realise the company culture does not fit your ideal of a great place to work. This scenario is all too common, but there are some measures you can take to find out whether a company’s culture is the best fit for you. Here’s our guide on how to identify a workplace with great company culture.

One of the most difficult questions to answer in any job interview is what you expect as a salary. How do you know if you’re aiming too high or missing out on an opportunity to earn a better wage? Here’s how to answer “what are your salary expectations?”

Whether you’re offered no pay rise at all, or a lower raise than expected after your latest performance review, it may not be reflective of what you feel you deserve. Here are 5 actions to take if you’re unhappy with your salary increase.

There are some key steps to making sure your negotiation for a pay rise will be more successful and some definite tactics to avoid. Here are our do’s and don’ts for approaching your employer for a salary increase.

It can be difficult, especially when applying to a new job or negotiating a pay rise, to know exactly what salary is appropriate to ask for. Your employer is likely to ask what your salary expectations are but how do you know if you are underselling yourself or being too ambitious?
Here’s our guide to understanding your market value to make sure you’re on the right salary.

LinkedIn is widely used as a respectable online platform to communicate your professional background to prospective employers. Many employers or hiring managers will, upon receiving your CV, proceed to Google you to find out more about your online presence and a strong LinkedIn profile is just what you want them to find. So how do you make sure your LinkedIn is going to leave a positive impression?

Applying for a new job can be scary, especially if it’s a role you’ve really set your heart on. But what do you do if your experience falls just outside of the requirements? Don’t let lack of necessary skills put you off sending in that application, instead here are some things to take on board to help you land a job even if you don’t have quite the right experience.

Don’t you love that feeling of getting paid early in December, just in time to join in all the Christmas festivities? However there is no forgetting the consequence of this...the long and painful drag through until January payday. It can make January feel like it’s never going to end and this isn’t helped in the slightest by the cold, dark days.
Need some advice to help keep the January blues at bay and keep you financially steady? Here’s our top tips for pinching the pennies until the first paycheck of 2019 lands in your hands.

Between Christmas and New Year is a no man’s land of confusion and horror. As we sit in a pile of roast potatoes, leftover wrapping paper, and a sad Christmas tree no one will take down until February, we feel a bit like crying. These are all definite signs you’re stuck in the middle of Crimbo Limbo but don’t forget to look out for these other red flags…

Have you been roped into working at the office whilst all your other colleagues are off enjoying their festive holidays? Don’t feel bitter about it, in fact there are some great benefits to working over Christmas. Here’s a few reasons why it’s great to work on Christmas day...

The annual work Christmas do can be a great time to really get to know your colleagues in a more relaxed environment. But it is important to remember it is still a work event so to keep it professional, appropriate and avoid anything which could potentially damage your reputation at work. Here are our do’s and don'ts for your work office party…

Interviews are nerve wracking. You can never be certain exactly what questions an interviewer will ask, but there are a few things you can do and say towards the end of the interview to make sure you stick in the employers mind. Here are our top tips…

How can you make sure your job application is going to catch the eye of your prospective employer over the potentially hundreds that might fall into their inbox? The best place to start is with a killer cover letter. Here are some top tips...

On average we spend nearly 25% of our time at our place of work, so it is important to have an environment which you find inspiring and engaging. Here are some top tips for optimising your work space and increasing your productivity.

If you’re starting to get that itch to rewrite your CV or find yourself casually browsing the internet for what jobs are on the market, it may be time to look at how happy you are in your current job. It’s easy to be afraid of the unknown but this often leads to staying in a role that ultimately you don’t enjoy. If you’re umming and ahhing about whether to jump back on the job hunt, here are 5 signs that it might be time for a change.

If you’re looking to broaden your skill base to improve your employability in our digital age, or are simply interested in learning something new, there are a handful of areas to consider studying to give your CV that little something extra.

No matter how well you prepare for an upcoming interview you can never be certain which questions will be thrown your way. Even if you spend hours inspecting your potential new employer’s website, research every minuscule detail of the company’s history, and reread the job description for the hundredth time there is often a chance that you’ll be thrown a curveball question.

Are you a school leaver or graduate with no experience? Writing your CV can be daunting but it is important to remember everyone has been there. It’s a classic catch-22, you need valuable work experience but you don’t have any experience to get the internship or entry level role you need! Here’s what to include in your CV to show you have the right attributes and attitude to get the interview.

We all know that office gossip exists. Gossip is not always necessarily bad, for example it could lead to the knowledge of a new role or opportunity in your company but the office rumour mill can also be hurtful not only to feelings but careers. Here’s how to deal with it…….🗣

Why you aren’t getting responses from job applications - and how to change this

20 Aug 2018

The frustration of no response when you are job hunting is a classic and can leave you demotivated. Are you sending out a large number of job applications with absolutely no luck, feeling like even a no would be better? Depending on the size of the company, employers receive hundreds, sometimes thousands of applications for the positions they have listed. Here’s how to stand out in the process to avoid radio silence from potential employers.

Many people equate appraisal time with a bonus or salary increase, however with an ever changing economy sadly this isn’t always viable for your company. In this instance there are other non-monetary benefits that employees value which smart employers will listen to and action.

We are delighted to announce that our recent sponsorship of ❤️❤️ THE LOVE HEARTS APPEAL - Petanque Doubles Knockout Tournament ❤️❤️ has raised £2,792.08. The money will go towards helping children from Jersey that require care and assistance at Great Ormond Street.

Without great leadership in a business, a resulting lack of organisation and motivation is inevitable. Out there today there are many young, talented and enthusiastic individuals chomping at the bit to be in leadership and management positions. But how do you achieve this?
If you want to move into a leadership role at work, here’s how make positive steps towards calling the shots as well as ways to effectively manage, motivate and support staff...

We’ve all been there, it’s the end of an interview and you are asked, ‘Do you have any questions?’ Your interviewer has been grilling you to see if you are the right fit, but now it’s your turn. This is your opportunity to understand more about the company, role and culture, but fail to ask relevant questions and you can seem under-prepared or uninterested. Here’s what to ask….

How to deal with the classic story of ‘more responsibility but no compensation.’

10 Jul 2018

Ever been asked to work towards tasks which were not initially outlined in your job description, and yet not received a change in job title or a rise in salary? This scenario is rife in the modern working world and is responsible for a sea of under-appreciated, demotivated and disheartened employees in offices across the globe.

So, finally all of the hard work you have put in at University has paid off and you are excited to start a new chapter of your life in employment! You are on your way to meet new friends, try new things and take on greater responsibility (as well as a salary!)... but there are some important things to note before making the transition from the world of the learners to the earners.

In a busy office it can be difficult to concentrate, you have calls and emails to answer, colleagues to distract you and sometimes even an office dog to make friends with. However, small distractions can ruin your overall productivity for the day and affect your quality of work. Here are our top tips to maintain your focus….

World cup fever has hit! The first England game is just one week away and the 1st team are giving you the chance to win some amazing prizes simply by guessing the score. So what do you think? 3-0 to the three lions? An absolute shocker in the group games? All you have to do to enter is LIKE our page and COMMENT with your score prediction below. We’ll pick a winner at random from all those who get it right. So keep your eyes on our page for updates.

Performance reviews can be stressful but this is actually an opportunity for you to be honest about what you want to achieve in the next six months, where you see your long term role within the business, plus raise any concerns you may have. The sure way to get the most out of this process is to arrive prepared, here’s our appraisal checklist….

So you’ve got a new job offer, you are taking some time out to retrain or you’re going on maternity or travel leave, exciting times are ahead! But the prospect of handing in your notice at work can tinge this with a little bit of anxiety. Here are our tips to ensure you are leaving professionally and without burning bridges.

When applying for jobs and interviewing it is important to be mindful that your interviewer has seen a fair few candidates during the process. This means that you have to stand out during the interview stage itself. How do you do this? Avoid the below buzzwords….

Congratulations you have landed your first ever job. All the exams, stress and job hunting has been worth it and you are ready for that first step on the career ladder. But making the right first impression really can give you a head start. Here’s how…

Knowing your worth in the workplace is imperative to progressing in your career, but also to earning a salary you deserve. Casey Brown, with TED Talks, shares helpful stories and learnings that can help you better communicate your value and get paid for your excellence.

We’ve all been there. You think you’re doing everything you can possibly do to reach the next step in your career, but progression isn’t happening. Here’s some signs that you are on the right track & deserve that promotion.

With Easter bank holiday around the corner, many of us will be escaping for a mini break or chilling out and spending time with family. But for jobseekers it is actually a prime time to job search, here’s 5 reasons why….

We are all mesmerised by the allure of the snooze button, especially during a busy week. But being half asleep when you get to work is not indicative of a productive day. Here are 3 things successful people do before 9am….

The reality is that parents (both mums and dads) work. With Mother’s Day just gone, we are celebrating working mums! Research has revealed the habits of smart & successful working mums who nail it everyday. There isn’t much they can’t do, but here are 5 things they practice to ensure they are always on it, in both their professional & personal lives.

When it comes to our dream careers, “one day”, “after I have more experience” or “once I’ve saved” can all be preventers of following our true passions. All too often we make excuses that stop us from (for example): owning a business, changing career or retraining to ultimately do something we love.
So, we have put together 4 steps to help you turn your passion into your pay check….

Having interesting and relevant CPD courses under your belt shows a potential employer that you are dedicated, motivated and an addition to their team. Talking about these courses during an interview is an excellent way of showcasing these qualities. Here are just some useful courses which could give you that extra edge….

Five transferable skills you need, that have stood the test of time. 📝

12 Feb 2018

10 years ago we didn’t have the iPad, Google Chrome and WhatsApp and of course all the jobs associated with them. Meaning that jobs like AI Engineers, App Developers, Social Media Consultants and even Uber Drivers simply didn’t exist.
More than ever we are seeing an ever evolving job market, as technology and roles develop continuously. These developments mean that new and exciting jobs probably haven’t even been created yet, so making sure you have these core transferable skills can ensure you are always qualified and hireable.

Whether it’s a quick fire question round in an interview face-to-face or within your covering letter or CV, the most important thing to do when you are applying for a job is sell yourself - something that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. To do this you need to identify your key strengths, here’s how…..

As the New Year approaches, the 1st team are spending valuable time with loved ones and switching off. However, we are also preparing for a new business year by decluttering. Some may think this is unnecessary & can be kick started on return to work, but the benefits of preparing mentally & physically in advance really are unquestionable. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Here are 3 simple ways to get ahead of the game for 2018..…..

Networking. Some people thrive off a room full of new faces, others dread it. Either way networking events provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with like minded people, suss out what is happening in your industry and beyond, and be on the radar of potential clients / employers. Here are our 5 tips to working the room.

New research has revealed the top 5 career regrets that UK workers have. Our top tip would be to get advice before making important career decisions. Our friendly consultants will help make sure your next move, is the right move.

The REC’s ‘Future of Jobs’ calls on more collaboration between businesses and schools.

08 Nov 2017

In a recent report from the REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation), which analysed the success of the UK jobs market, a conclusion was drawn that more collaboration between businesses and schools is imperative for growth.

AI (artificial intelligence) has been utilised by Recruiters for a while, aiding tasks such as screening CVs and assessing candidates. But two new products, which aim to remove the element of human bias in the recruitment process, show just how effective AI can be.

With all the tickets now sold out for the Jersey Hospice Care Lottery. 1st Recruitment are giving you a chance to WIN £1 Million with our lottery ticket competition! Is this the winning ticket?
All you have to do is visit our Facebook page, LIKE our page and TAG at least one friend who you would treat if you WIN!...

Building on from the success of previous years tournaments, 1st Recruitment Group are pleased to announce that their recently sponsored petanque doubles knockout tournament held in and around Gorey help raise over £2,520 for "The Love Hearts Appeal" (A charity set up to assist sick Jersey children who very much depend on the expertise and care of Great Ormond Street Hospital).

1st Recruitment Group and the people of Gorey raise £770 for Headway Jersey

15 Dec 2016

Last Saturday the people of Gorey, Jersey donned Christmas attire to take part in the 1st Recruitment Group Christmas Petanque Doubles cup competition in aid of Headway Jersey. Aided by mulled wine and Christmas music a competitive yet humorous competition ensued. The tournament was quickly followed by a Christmas lunch and quiz at the Bass & Lobster. £770 in total was raised for Headway Jersey.

1st Recruitment Group offering free career and mentoring advice to all summer 2016 graduates

22 Jun 2016

Congratulations to all summer 2016 graduates! Mission accomplished or is it? What next? If you don't know what to do with yourself now that you have graduated, then make an appointment with our experienced career advisors to get advice on the different industry sectors as well as the latest on the Channel Islands jobs market.